8 Home Remedies To Manage Period Cramps

A lot of women suffer pain during their menstrual period. From mild discomfort to severe abdominal aches that may last several days, the level of pain differs as no two women are alike. However, we can all agree that period cramps are real, and getting rid of them is a priority. Luckily for you, these period cramps home remedies have been known to help.

During periods, the uterus contracts, and it’s these uterine contractions that cause painful cramps for some. The cramping usually occurs in the lower abdomen, although the pain can also spread to the lower back, groin, or upper thighs. The typical period cramps can be sorted out with mild painkillers. Aspirin and paracetamol are the most commonly used drugs. Now, if you are like me (meaning you hate medicine), you might want to consider non-pharmaceutical options. That’s where home remedies come in.

Let’s face it, before the advancement of modern-day science, women experienced menstrual pains. During the years in which modern medications didn’t exist, there were several ways women relived that monthly pain and many of them were passed down to us. As a result, you’d notice that this list of period cramps home remedies borders around nature-based solutions. Yes, those women sure knew more than they were given credit for.

Here are 8 age-old, tried, and trusted home remedies for period cramps…

#1. Have an orgasm

An orgasm may help alleviate menstrual cramps. During orgasm, the uterus contracts but then releases. This could help lessen the impact of menstrual contractions. In addition, having an orgasm releases endorphins and other hormones that relieve pain, helping a person feel good.

#2. Massage your abdomen

Getting a massage or performing a self-massage over your abdomen can relax the pelvic muscles and alleviate cramping. You can gently rub a massage oil, body lotion, or coconut oil into your skin to help this process.

#3. Consider dietary changes

Making some changes to the diet may reduce menstrual cramping. Eating a balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fruits, vegetables, nuts, lean proteins, and whole grains helps the body stay healthy. Also, increasing the intake of fluids will help the body stay hydrated which is great because dehydration is a common cause of muscle cramps.

#4. Apply heat

Applying heat to your abdomen has been known to help relieve period discomfort. Opt for a hot water bottle, hold it to your abdomen, and lie back. You can distract yourself with a movie or work while the heat melts the cramps away.

#5. Exercise

The benefits of exercise cannot be overemphasized. Exercise reduces fatigue, anxiety, stress, and migraines — these are discomforts that period cramps could cause. In addition, according to Women’s Care, “when you exercise, your brain releases hormones called endorphins. Endorphins block pain receptors in your brain, helping to stop pain signals from your cramping, contracting uterus.”

#6. Drink ginger tea

With all the benefits of ginger, here is one more reason to have some ginger tea: it gets rid of menstrual pains. Crush about 1 inch of ginger and put it in a cup of boiling water. Let it seep for 3-5 minutes. Consume after meals and watch its healing powers take effect.

#7. Take some cinnamon

I love cinnamon so much that I use it for practically everything. (Okay, almost everything). Because cinnamon is an anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic agent, it can help to ease cramps, fatigue, and aches. You can use it in your tea or coffee to get relief from cramps.

#8. Consume bananas

What if I told you that eating bananas will help with your cramps? Banana has a high potassium content which helps ease the pain. You can have bananas by themselves, in the form of smoothies, or mixed in a fruit salad.

If you have more severe pains which last for many days or all through the duration of your period, you might want to visit your doctor for further evaluation.

Featured image: Polina Zimmerman/Pexels

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